Our MGOC June weekend away has always been an enjoyable and memorable event on the club’s social calendar. Nine couples eventually arrived at Club Capricorn with the evening culminating in a barbeque after everyone was present. Brian cooked up his Garlic Prawn speciality as an entree and then Ann brought out a large platter of prawns which probably would have been sufficient but we soldiered on and cooked our meat.
The Lutzs, Maitlands and Magraths had met at the Zoo carpark at midday and drove to Burns Beach for a picnic lunch before proceeding to our destination. We found that the Daltons had already settled in and Ann (who seemed to have packed everything including the kitchen sink!) had done a great job in making our chalet comfortable and a real home. Brian had to bring his 4WD as they weren’t able to fit everything Ann wanted to bring in their MG! The Andersons and Magraths were very grateful to be sharing with the Daltons as they had remembered all the things we hadn’t thought of!
We had four chalets within close proximity of each other and two of them had the best views of the ocean in the whole complex. We were very fortunate with the weather all weekend and whilst it was a little cool both mornings, none of our activities were hampered by rain. We found the inevitable list of ‘rules’ on the kitchen bench (these appear to be a mandatory item in many resorts) and it wasn’t long before we had broken a number of those without too much effort. We ignored the rule about ‘no animals’ and suggested that Linda and Lance bring their well-behaved little dog too. Why should Tarzan miss out on a holiday?! Ron and Di took some cane chairs outside to sit and enjoy the view to discover that the list said we weren’t to do that under any circumstances, and the movement of china and cutlery between the four chalets would have caused problems for administration had they known! It was even suggested that all noise should cease at 11.30pm! Fortunately, at Club Capricorn the chalets are spread over a large area and we had no complaints from neighbours. The sound of the waves crashing outside was louder than any noise we could make.
Following a variety of breakfasts (self-catered) we drove in convoy to ‘The Gravity Discovery Centre’ which was a new discovery to some of the group, and a repeat visit for others. It is near Gingin and supported by the University of WA and the State Government. It is constantly evolving and the ‘Leaning Tower of Gingin’ was an impressive addition to the complex since the Magraths were there last. After an informative guided tour around the Centre, some of our brave souls climbed the tower and dropped water filled balloons off the top. Lance was the first to the top but he was closely followed by other intrepid souls. There was supposed to be some scientific reason for dropping water filled balloons off the tower but nothing our group was doing or saying was close to being scientific!
Lunch was a pleasant meal at the Cafe A Moore at the mouth of the Moore River. The food and service were both excellent,as always, with the meeting of the river and the ocean waters something to observe whilst eating and conversing. Coffee and champagne were consumed at Gay and David Messer’s lovely holiday home just up the hill from the cafe. The Messers are long time friends of Di and Ron’s and their hospitality was appreciated.
Back in our chalet homes, we prepared for a shared evening meal and some fun and frivolity at the card tables. It was interesting that Anne Bullock managed to win at her table – playing by your own rules possibly helps a lot! At the Poker table the chips were coming and going at a rapid rate.
After a leisurely check out on Sunday morning, the group drove to Two Rocks for an elegant and delicious brunch prepared and served by Glenice Matthews, a friend of the Magraths from the RR club. Glenice is an accomplished hostess who is also rightly proud of her beautifully designed and appointed home. We were grateful to her for being so welcoming.
The Magraths had chosen to stay on at Club Capricorn for another night, but everyone else headed home around midday after another successful and happy MG weekend away.
Di Magrath
